Carolyn Seal – Secular Franciscan Order

Francis: Our Model for Following Christ

My very first introduction to a Secular Franciscan was getting to know a gentle soul named Anna. When she described her relationship with God as “intimacy,” I knew that I wanted to have what she already possessed. I wanted to love God as she loved Him. Anna was my living model of loving Christ. She lived her Franciscan life as Francis did: with humility, simplicity and love for others. Although Anna surely knew suffering in her life, she still remained joyful and caring.

Carolyn Seal2026-07-16T19:25:16-04:00July 20th, 2026|Categories: From the Newsletter|0 Comments

October: A Month for All Things Franciscan

The mission of Franciscan Month is to celebrate the 800-year charism of the Franciscan way of life, to build awareness about this way of life, and to invite and inspire people of all faiths to live it. Our intention for 2026 is to promote the Franciscan values of simplicity, care for creation, peacemaking, the dignity and integrity of each person and service to the poor, marginalized and forgotten - especially during this Jubilee Year of St. Francis.

Carolyn Seal2026-07-08T16:50:14-04:00July 13th, 2026|Categories: From the Newsletter, News from the NEC|0 Comments

A MESSAGE FROM THE Q PLANNING COMMITTEE

This year, we will celebrate the 21st Quinquennial Congress (Q2026) at the Griffin Gate Marriott in Lexington, Kentucky, from July 29 to August 2. This gathering comes at a particularly grace-filled moment, as the global Franciscan family continues to celebrate the Jubilee Year of St. Francis and the 800th anniversaries that mark the final years of his earthly life.

Carolyn Seal2026-07-01T17:19:13-04:00July 6th, 2026|Categories: From the Newsletter, Q Updates|1 Comment

Francis, Renewed in Our Times

In my lifetime, four of my relatives have celebrated their 100th birthday. A century is a long time. But this year, as you all know, we are celebrating the 800th anniversary of Francis’ death. How does Francis stay so popular after eight centuries? We can get an idea by looking at what has happened in just the last 40 years – my part of the story.

Carolyn Seal2026-06-24T14:02:33-04:00June 29th, 2026|Categories: Centenaries 2023-2026, From the Newsletter|0 Comments

Year of Francis

At the CIOFS General Chapter in Rome (November 2024), the theme “You Are Love” reminded us that the Franciscan way of life begins with God’s initiative: God loved us first. From this gift flows the love we extend to ourselves, to our families, and to every brother and sister we meet along the way.

Carolyn Seal2026-06-18T10:56:55-04:00June 22nd, 2026|Categories: CIOFS, From the Newsletter|0 Comments

St. Francis: A Saint for Younger Generations

In response to the announcement of a Year of St. Francis, Fr. Marek Weresa, who is a contributor of Vatican News, interviewed Bishop Krzysztof Nykiel, Regent of the Apostolic Penitentiary. One of the questions he asked, after a tremendous Jubilee Year and now another special invitation to enjoy a Year of St. Francis, was, “What can we do to prevent this time from becoming banal?”

Carolyn Seal2026-06-09T16:38:33-04:00June 15th, 2026|Categories: From the Newsletter, FYYA|0 Comments

Opposing Indifference: Actions of Accompaniment in the Year of St Francis

In this jubilee year of our founder, the great peacemaker and reconciler, it is fitting that we have called the membership to work visibly for justice and mercy for immigrants

Carolyn Seal2026-06-03T14:14:03-04:00June 8th, 2026|Categories: From the Newsletter, JPIC|0 Comments

2026: A Year to Begin Again with Francis of Assisi

This year the Church marks the 800th anniversary of the transitus, the passing into eternal life of Francis of Assisi. In honor of this moment, Pope Leo XIV has named 2026 the Year of St. Francis. For Secular Franciscans, this is more than remembering the past. It is an invitation: a year to begin again.

Carolyn Seal2026-05-27T12:11:35-04:00June 1st, 2026|Categories: Formation, From the Newsletter|0 Comments

REFLECTIONS ON FIFTEEN YEARS: Grateful for the Opportunity to Serve the OFS

My Franciscan vocation began with the Seculars, so when the opportunity came for me to serve as a provincial delegate in 2011, I was happy to volunteer. I was in my second assignment after ordination – middle-aged as a person, but young as a friar. This service has been an incredible opportunity for me to grow and exercise our Franciscan charism. At several points, I have been grateful for those who have walked with me in leadership. My connections grew with their support, leading eventually to the positions I have now as OFS Animator for my province and National Spiritual Assistant.

Carolyn Seal2026-05-20T16:53:34-04:00May 25th, 2026|Categories: From the Newsletter, Spiritual Assistance|0 Comments

Grain of Wheat

Over the last three years I’ve been focusing on death. In 2024, my father was called home. In 2025, my mother was called home. In 2026, we remember the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. Both my parents lived 93 years. St. Francis lived about 45 years. An opportunity to focus on death is truly an opportunity to focus on life.

Carolyn Seal2026-05-17T15:56:16-04:00May 18th, 2026|Categories: From the Newsletter, Minister’s Message|1 Comment

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About Carolyn Seal